AGENCIES

Spain has approved a major regularisation programme that could grant legal status to around 5,00,000 undocumented migrants, including a significant number of Bangladeshis living in the country.

The government on Tuesday finalized the migrant amnesty measure it had announced earlier this year. The approach sharply differs from much of Europe’s prevailing attitudes on immigration in which governments are trying to reduce the number of arrivals and step up deportations, and contrasts with the Trump administration’s harsh immigration policies.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez hailed the measure as “an act of justice and a necessity.” He reiterated his government’s position that people who already live and work in the country of 50 million people should “do so under equal conditions” and pay taxes, reports AP.

Those who meet certain conditions can now seek a one-year residency and work permit.

Migration Minister Elma Saiz said migrants could apply in person starting April 20 and online today. The window will close on June 30.

Those who apply must have arrived in Spain before January 1 and prove that they have been living in the country for at least five months.

That can be done by presenting “public or private” documents, Saiz said. Applicants must also show that they have no criminal record, the government said.

After a year, those granted the temporary measure will be eligible to apply for other work or residency permits.

The government estimates that half a million people living in the shadows of Spanish society could be eligible; analysts say the figure is likely higher.

Spanish think tank Funcas estimates there are roughly 840,000 migrants living in Spain without authorization.